Pop-Up Blood Donor Center Event Coming to Black Pearl in January

Washougal, WA — For the first time ever, Washington State and Oregon held Blood Donor Day on December 18 to commemorate the Amtrak 501 passenger train heading from Seattle to Portland that was tragically derailed on December 18, 2017, prompting immediate action by first responders to aid everyone aboard the train. Injured passengers were transported to local hospitals, and cared for with the blood donations made by our community. The care provided was only possible because our shelves were stocked, weeks prior, with enough blood.

“But our efforts to keep a health and safe blood supply doesn’t end there,” said Lauren Reagan, of Bloodworks. ”Bloodworks needs all donors to keep donating throughout the winter season to help our preparedness plan and be ready for anything. Donating blood is a simple act that can mean so much to those in need.”

Today’s special day is also preparation for January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

“January is National Blood Donor Month, so what better time to make a donation and impact someone’s life? That “someone” could be a loved one or friend,” said Reagan. “It’s the time of year when local blood supplies are dipping due to high patient demand. Don’t wait until a person close to you needs blood, act now by giving at a Pop-Up Donor Center near you.

The next Pop-Up Donor Center will be held January 4 and 5 at the Black Pearl on the Columbia, which is located at 56 South 1st Street, Washougal, WA 98671. Hours are 8:30-2:30 pm each day.

• Link to Book Appointment:  https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/GroupLanding.aspx?s=686b

• Bloodworks Vancouver Donation Center: 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Blvd Ste. 100 Vancouver, WA 98662

All donations are by appointment only. The one hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals and patients. The pop-up centers are being conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines. No walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. All donors are required to wear masks during their appointment. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus.